INDIAN KNOWLEDGE

SYSTEM
Prof Radha Nitin
Gurukul College of Commerce
 UNIT NO 1 - Introduction
of IKS
Meaning
Indian knowledge refers to
Beliefs
Practices
Wisdom

• The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is one of the significant aspects of the NEP curriculum.
IKS encompasses diverse and rich heritage knowledge of India that covers various domains
such as science and technology, literature, philosophy, culture, medicine (ayurveda), and
yoga.
 Ancient Knowledge
Systems
IKS
 IKS

• What is Iks

• The Indian Knowledge Systems comprise of Jnan, Vignan, and Jeevan

Darshan that have evolved out of experience, observation,
experimentation, and rigorous analysis. This tradition of validating
and putting into practice has impacted our education, arts,
administration, law, justice, health, manufacturing, and commerce.
 ELEMENTS OF IKS
• Education
Fields such as sciences, Humanities, Engineering and arts
• Science and technology
innovations, advancements and applications
• Culture and Heritage
Preservation and promotion of cultural traditions, languages, arts,
Literature, folklore, historical narratives reflecting nation’s identity
And values
 ELEMENTS OF IKS
• Governance and Policy
Legal frameworks, Political Systems, Governance structure and
Policies
• Economic Systems
Financial institutions, Markets, trade policies, industrial strategies
and economic theories that influence growth and development
• Healthcare systems
• medical research, public health initiatives
and healthcare policies
 ELEMENTS OF IKS
• Environment and sustainability
Knowledge and practices related to environmental conservation,
Sustainable development, climate change and ecological balance
• Social Systems
Social sciences research, social; welfare programs, community
development initiatives and cultural norms that shape social behavior,
Interactions and inclusivity
 ELEMENTS OF IKS
• Security and Defense

Military strategies, defense technologies, national security policies

Intelligence systems, diplomatic efforts for national security and
International relations
Characteristics / Features of IKS
1) Holistic approach to life
Physical
Mental
Emotional
Spiritual health
Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda
 Characteristics / Features of
IKS
2) Philosophical foundations
• Vedanta [Upanishads, atman and Brahman]
• Samkya philosophy [ Purusha [ consciousness] and Prakriti [matter]
• Yoga philosophy [spiritual Practice, physical Postures,breath control
and meditation]
• Nyaya and Vaisheshika –[Theory of knowledge ,nature of reality to
understand the world]
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
3) Spiritual wisdom and textual traditions
• Vedas [Four Vedas]
• Upanishads [Nature of reality]
• Bhagwat Gita[Dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on dharma bhakti
and gnana]
• Puranas[Cosmology teachings on morality and ethical conduct ]
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
4) Scientific contribution
• Mathematics-[Decimal system(0)]
Notable mathematicians include Aryabhata, Bramhagupta, Bhaskara
• Astronomy [Calculations of length the solar year and discovery of
celestial bodies]
• Medicine [Tradition system of Ayurveda]
• Metallurgy[Produced high quality steel that was highly prized globally
by ancient Indians]
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
5) Cultural diversity and artistic expression
• Literature [Ramayana and Maharbharata]
• Music [Hindustani music(North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian),
dance and visual arts}
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
6) Yoga and Medication practices
Asanas
Gnana
Pranayamams
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
7) Ethical and social Values
Non Violence[Ahimsa]
Truthfulness[Satya]
Compassion [Karuna]
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
8) Education and transmission of knowledge
• Gurus [Teachers]
• Shishyas [Students]
• Ashram[Gurukuls]
 Characteristics / Features of IKS
9) Impact and legacy
IKS has profound impact not only in India and globally

10) Modern Relevance and adaptations

Adapting to modern challenges and opportunities globally for health
and well being
 IKS
Conclusion
• IKS is a treasure of wisdom, spanning philosophical insights, scientific
discoveries ,artistic expression and cultural traditions. Its holistic
approach, spiritual depth and practical applications continue to
inspire and enrich humanity, fostering a deeper understanding of life’s
mysteries and the inter-connectedness of all existence.
 IMPORTANCE OF IKS
• Yoga and Meditation Practices
• Ethical Values and Social Harmony
• Stress Management and Mental Health
• Spiritual Growth and inner peace
• Scientific contributions and innovations
• Education and Transmission of knowledge
• Environmental sustainability
• Cultural Diplomacy
• Integration of tradition with modernity
 MACAULAY’S EDUCATIONAL
POLICY [MEP]
• Introduction of English Language in 1835
• Western Curriculum
• Establishment of Schools and Colleges
• Detrimental to Traditional Education
• Neglect on Indian Languages
• Social and Cultural Impact
• Role in Colonial Administration
 IMPACT OF MEP

• Spread of Modern Education

• Promotion of English Language
• Development of Western Education
• Integration into Global Economy
• Cultural Exchange and Hybridization
• Legacy of Educational Institutions
 SCOPE OF IKS

• Vedas and Upanishads

• Nyaya and Vaisheshika
• Samhkya and yoga
• Mimamsa and Vedanta
 Scientific and Technological
Contributions

• Ayurveda
• Astronomy and Mathematics
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Metallurgy and Engineering
 Social Science and
Governance

• Arthasastra – [Kautilya] also called as Chanakya

• This treatise on state governance, Economics, Political Theory and
Administrative Diplomacy
• Dharma Sastra on Ethics, Laws and Social duties , Justice, Morality
And Societal wellbeing
 The Universality of IKS
• Philosophical Foundations
• Samkhya Philosophy
• Nyaya and Vaisheshika Schools
• Mimamsa and Dharma Shastra
• Scientific Advancements like Astronomy and Mathematics, Medicine and
Ayurveda, Metallurgy and Engineering
• Spiritual and Cultural Traditions
• Ethical and Social Principles
• Environmental Wisdom and Sustainability
• Global Influence and Contemporary Relevance
 Development of IKS from Ancient
Period to
6TH Century BCE
• Ancient Period : Medical and Health Sciences
Christianity and IKS
• Vedic Literature
• Philosophical Beginnings Medieval Period:
• Jainism and Buddhism Bhakti Movement
Islamic Influence
• Classical Period: Art, architecture and Culture
• Dharmashastra and Arthashastra
• Mathematics and Astronomy
 ANCIENT INDIAN EDUCATION
SYSTEM
HOME, GURUKUL, PATHSHALA
Foundations of Learning

• Home Learning
• Informal Nature
• Role of Parents and Elders
• Moral and Ethical Education
• Practical Skills Development
• Methods and Approaches
• Story telling and Oral tradition
• Observational Learning
• Rituals and Religious practices
 Gurukul Education

• Gurushishya Parampara
• Residential Setting
• Curriculum
• PATHSHALA EDUCATION
• Community based Educational Institutions
• Community Support and Governance
• Accessibility and Inclusivity
 UNIVERSITIES AND ANCIENT EDUCATIONAL
CENTRES
• NALANDA UNIVERSITY
• One of the oldest and prestigious centers
• Founded during Gupta Dynasty
• Renowned Buddhist Monastic University
• Philosophy, Logic, Grammar, Medicine, Astronomy, Mathematics and
arts
• Debates , Discussions and Dialogue with teachers/acharyas
• Dharmaganja vast library had a collection of manuscripts and texts on
various subjects
 UNIVERSITIES AND ANCIENT EDUCATIONAL
CENTRES

• TAXILA UNIVERSITY
• Taxila University near present day Islamabad in Pakistan
• Flourished under Mauryan and Kushan rule
• Philosophy, Theology, Grammar, Medicine, Politics and Commerce
• Students from central Asia, Greece and Persia studied
• Vikramshila UNIVERSITY [ near Bhagalpur, bihar]
• PUSHPAGIRI UNIVERSITY [Odisha]
 MUSEUMS AND ART
GALLERIES
• National Museum Delhi
• Indian Museum, Kolkota
• Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
• Historical Monuments and landmarks
• Redfort, Delhi
• Gateway of India , Mumbai
• Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
 Archaeological Sites
• Hampi Karnataka
• Mahabalipuram Tamilnadu
• Sanchi Stupa Madhya Pradesh
• Natural and Ecological Sites
• Jim Corbett National park, Uttarakand
• Ranathambore National park, Rajasthan
• Periyar wildlife Santuary, Kerala
 INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL
SITES
Provides opportunities for industrial visits/ internships/collaborations
Examples
Electronic city, Bangalore
Cyber city, Hyderabad
GIDC industrial estate, Gujarat
Socio cultural community sites
Preserve traditional life styles, Architecture, cultural practices
Examples
Varanasi, U P, Udaipur Rajasthan, Kochi, Kerala
 Water Management System at
Kanheri
• Kanheri caves located at Sanjay Gandhi National park , Mumbai
represents Buddhist Monastery during 1st Century BCE
• Features Rock cut Reservoirs for collecting and storing rainwater
• Water from Reservoirs was used for various purposes with in the
monastery for drinking, bathing, irrigation for gardens and agriculture
• Water management system at kanheri caves highlights the prowess of
ancient Indian engineers , sustainable practices, foresight, reflection of
spiritual and cultural significance with in Buddhist tradition , a marvel
of ancient hydraulic engineering
 Temple Management
• Ambarnath temple in Mumbai is significant ancient Hindu temple .
• The management of the temple involves various administrative, cultural and
religious practices which takes care of its daily affairs
• Daily rituals and pujas are conducted by priests following the Hindu practices
• Special pujas are performed on auspicious days and festivals of lord Shiva on
Mahashivaratri, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali
• The temple management promotes cultural activities like music concerts,
dance performance, religious discourses.
• Also initiates charitable activities like providing food and Prasad to the
devotees, organizing medical camps, social welfare measures.
 CHALLENGES

• Infrastructure Development
• Modernizing facilities
• Improve Sanitation facilities
• Accessibility for all devotees
• Preservation of Traditions
• Continuation of traditional practices and rituals
• Educate the younger generation about the role and significance of
temples